Drop and pop toy

ABSTRACT

“Drop and pop” is a new rubberband-powered plastic pop-up toy. The toy features a unique suction cup delayed-release mechanism. (FIG.  9 ) 
     The toy is made from flexible polyethelene plastic. (FIG.  1 ) The plastic is cut, creased, and folded into a box-like shape. (FIG.  6 ) Rubberbands fit in slots around the embodiment. (FIG.  7 ) 
     When the corners opposite the rubberbands are pressed, the toy is flattened like an accordian. A vinyl suction cup adheres to a special semi-smooth surface, holding the embodiment flat, but slightly “cupped”. The toy is now “cocked” or “set”. (FIG.  8 ) 
     The toy stays “set” for 2 to 5 seconds, unless dropped. When dropped on a flat surface, concave side down, the suction cup is forced loose. (FIG.  9 ) The rubberbands retract and the toy pops-up several feet. (FIG.  12 )

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention generally relates to the toy industry, specifically the specialties and premium markets.

2. Prior Art

Direct Mail Industry:

Folded paper pop-ups are used in the direct mail industry.

The designs are made for envelope insertion.

When removed from an envelope, the design “pops” into a 3-dimensional form. Not made for repeated operation.

Toy and Game Industry:

Toy pop-ups in use today are made from rigid plastic, metal springs, and suction cups. No pop-ups are made from folded flexible plastic.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 Illustrates Body 30 of the toy. Dimensions are approximately 25 mm×100 mm. The preferred material is 0.035 linear polyethylene available from any plastics distributor.

The Scores 36 “segment” the Body 30 into 4 panels, plus tab 46 and Diagonal Stop 32. The scores crease and strengthen the material for repeated flexing.

Long Panel 38 is approximately 4% longer than the other panels. The slightly increased length is important to the operation of the toy.

Panel 40 is designed to accommodate Suction Cup Retainer 58, Suction Cup Collar 56, and Vinyl Suction Cup 60. The preferred suction cup is a 12 mm diameter “thick neck” supplied by Adams Mfg. Corp., Portersville, Pa.

Grooved Panel 42 is designed for Rubberbands 62. The large hole in Panel 42 is covered by Substrate Holder 48 and accommodates Semi-Smooth Substrate 54.

Notched Panel 44 accommodates Rubberbands 62. Preferred size is 9 mm wide, 26 mm long and 2 mm thick. Rubberbands 62 are natural rubber crepe grade supplied by Aero Rubber Company, Inc., Tinley Park, Ill.

FIG. 2 Illustrates the adhesive-backed plastic parts required. The preferred plastic for these parts is 0.035 linear polyethylene. The preferred adhesive foam is 1/32″ thick double-sided. The adhesive foam is applied before die cutting.

FIG. 3 shows the remaining parts required. Suction Cup 60 fits tightly into Suction Cup Retainer 58. The Semi-Smooth Substrate 54 fits into the large hole in Panel 42 where it rests on the adhesive side of Substrate Holder 48. When “cocked” or “set”, Substrate 54 holds the embodiment flat for 2 to 5 seconds. The preferred material for Substrate 54 is clay-coated enamel paper called “dull-coat” in the paper industry.

FIG. 4 Outside layout of Body 30 shows assembled locations of Substrate Holder 48, Suction Cup Retainer 58, Suction Cup Collar 56, and Suction Cup 60.

FIG. 5 Inside layout of Body 30, showing assembled locations of Panel Stiffener 50, Semi-Smooth Substrate 54, Suction Cup 60, and Long Panel Stiffener 52.

FIG. 6 Illustrates how the embodiment folds and completes a “box-like” shape. Tab 46 is inserted through Slot 34, contacting Tab Foam Tape 64 on the inside of Diagonal Stop 32.

FIG. 7 Illustrates the completed toy, rubberbands relaxed.

Operation:

FIG. 8 Diagrams shows how the embodiment changes shape as it is pressed, starting at the relaxed profile. When pressed completely flat, Suction Cup 60 adheres to Semi-smooth Substrate 54. The “cupped” profile shown is essential for impact release of Suction Cup 60.

FIG. 9 Assembly details for Suction Cup 60, illustrating Suction Cup Retainer 58, and Suction Cup Collar 56. Substrate 54 is shown in position on adhesive side of Substrate Holder 48.

FIG. 10 Illustrates how to hold the toy to initate “cocking”. The embodiment is pressed until flat.

FIG. 11 Suction Cup 60 is pressed firmly. The toy is tossed with a gentle side-spin to facilitate a flat landing.

FIG. 12 Illustrates a proper landing, concave side down. Impact on a flat surface will release Suction Cup 60, allowing the Rubberbands 62 to launch the toy.

Potential Design Enhancements:

FIG. 13 While maintaining the exact mechanics illustrated herein, dozens of design enhancements are possible. Prototypes have been provided under separate cover.

DRAWINGS Figures and Numbers

FIG. 1 Complete body, cut and scored

FIG. 2 Adhesive-backed plastic parts

FIG. 3 Operational parts

FIG. 4 Outside body layout with parts assembled

FIG. 5 Inside body layout with parts assembled

FIG. 6 Folding and tab insertion detail

FIG. 7 Toy complete, in relaxed position

FIG. 8 Operation progression, from relaxed to “cocked”

FIG. 9 Profile showing suction cup arrangement

FIG. 10 How to hold and squeeze

FIG. 11 Engaging suction cup and side-spin toss

FIG. 12 Toy lands and “pops up”

FIG. 13 Potential designs for added interest

30 Body 32 Diagonal Stop 34 Slot 36 Score 38 Long Panel 40 Cup Holder Panel 42 Grooved Panel 44 Notched Panel 46 Tab 48 Substrate Holder 50 Panel Stiffener 52 Long Panel Stiffener 54 Semi-Smooth Substrate 56 Suction Cup Collar 58 Suction Cup Retainer 60 Vinyl Suction Cup 62 Rubberbands 64 Tab Foam Tape 

1. To have invented a vinyl suction cup/substrate arrangement that will delay the pop-up action of a conventional pop-up design. (FIG. 9)
 2. To have invented a unique distortion of a box-type conventional pop-up design by slightly elongating one panel. This produces a “cupped” shape, facilitating impact-release when the toy is dropped. (FIG. 9)
 3. To have improved the strength and durability of a conventional paper pop-up design by introducing flexible plastic. Repeatability of the pop-up action is achieved, resulting in a new, entertaining toy for children. (FIG. 12) 